Gathering to discuss the state of life over a creative practice has long had benefits for communities, from ‘stitch ‘n bitch’ social knitting circles to the more recent emergence of ‘paint and sip’ commercial offers for friend groups. Whilst these play an important role in providing creative outlets in social settings, art has a deeper role in both understanding mental health and providing therapeutic pathways. Mental wellbeing is key to a resilient and vibrant arts […]

The National Association for the Visual Arts will release the completely revised Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design this September. Following a three-year collaborative approach, the new Code sets out equitable, ethical and self-reflective standards for the professional Australian contemporary arts sector. SAMAG will bring together a dynamic panel to explore the updated Code; delving into what is new as well as how the Code can be a valuable asset to artists and arts workers. The panel will also discuss the approach behind this revision, and why transparency and collaboration are a cornerstone of this living industry resource. SAMAG committee member and creative producer Lizzie Crouch will facilitate a panel of Penelope Benton, NAVA Executive Director, artist and researcher, Helen Pynor, and Code writers

Making Space for Culture: How the city’s cultural and property sectors can help solve the creative space shortage A significant decline in available space for the cultural and creative industries is one of the biggest challenges to cities across the world. Sydney is no exception: we are rapidly losing our creative spaces, pushing the creative economy out of the property market or out of the city altogether. Between 2012 and 2017, the City of Sydney […]

The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential phone counselling service, available 24/7 to anyone anywhere in Australia who works in the performing arts, or other creative industries. https://artswellbeingcollective.com.au/resources/support-act-wellbeing-helpline/ If you are looking for some ideas to help improve resilience or anxiety have a look at SAMAG’s past event, SAMAG Webinar: Finding resilience in the Arts in a time of uncertainty Our panel Dr Jackie Bailey, Dr Katherine Boydell, Lyn Worsley & Eugenie Lee as we […]